MFHS flag program honors veterans

Published 8:03 am, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

For the last 4 1/2 years, the flag outside Midland Freshman High School has done more than just fly -- it has honored specific men and women who serve our country.

Geography teacher Mark LaCroix, who started the practice in 2007, said he wanted to do something to honor his father, Senior Airman Raymond J. LaCroix, and all servicemen and women.

The daily program includes an announcement before the pledges to let students know about who is honored that day.

As always, LaCroix said he is looking for additional people to honor.

Since it began, the program has honored servicemen and -women from every major conflict dating back to the Civil War, LaCroix said.

Specific weeks are dedicated to various groups, such as Hispanic and black soldiers, during their respective heritage months.

LaCroix said he makes a point each year to honor all Midlanders known to have been killed in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Always armed and ready to let people know about the program, LaCroix said he’s passed out nomination forms to people he has met at the airport and emailed those he met through online NASCAR forums. While it’s mostly meant for veterans with Midland ties, LaCroix said he wants to honor everyone.

Some of his nominations come from students and typically peak after his Veteran’s Day lesson, he said, noting the program is a good way to talk with students on a daily basis about military service and veterans, LaCroix said.

While student nominations are important, LaCroix he’d like to have more nominations come in from the community.

“We want to honor everyone out there,” LaCroix said. “It doesn’t matter if they served two years in peace time or 20 in war time, we want to recognize them.”

To submit a nomination for the Midland Freshman Flag of Honor, email Mark LaCroix at mlacroix@midlandisd.net.